Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I respectfully ask Deputy Calleary to be responsible in terms of how this issue is discussed and covered. The figure of 221 is correct but that is not new information. The Committee of Public Accounts was informed at its meeting on 14 June that the audits of a further 12 women were close to completion.

That is the additional 12. The Minister is also ensuring these women are receiving the supports available.

In terms of trying to ensure that court cases and an adversarial environment are not part of the legal actions women and families are choosing to take, the State has been active on that. I was very pleased to see that Emma Mhic Mhathúna's case was settled without any further court hearings or court action. We will endeavour to ensure that is the case for other women and families involved as well.

See this speech in context